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Combating the Opioid Epidemic

"Now more than ever we must prioritize federal funding to combat the opioid epidemic that has swept across Pennsylvania and the nation. Everyone has a role to play in this fight, ranging from law enforcement, pharmacies, physicians, insurers, and community groups."

- Rep. Smucker

4 Critical Steps to Combating the Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis is wreaking havoc on families and communities all across Pennsylvania and America. Hundreds of thousands of American lives have been cut short by prescription drug abuse. That is why House Republicans have made combating this crisis a top priority. Read more at opioidcrisis.gop.

Resources for Families and Individuals At Risk or Struggling with Addiction

SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.

Contact: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and online at www.samhsa.gov/find-help

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Resources

There are a number of ways to find treatment for those suffering from the disease of addiction. Pennsylvania's hotline is completely confidential and can provide information about treatment resources. It is staffed by trained professionals, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is available in both English and Spanish.

Contact: www.pa.gov/guides/opioid-epidemic and the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

You can also find treatment by reaching out to a Center of Excellence. Centers of Excellence help ensure that people with opioid-related substance use disorders stay engaged in treatment to receive follow-up care and are supported within their communities.

Lancaster County Center of Excellence

Lancaster General Hospital

717-544-1427

Chester County Center of Excellence

Center for Integrative Medicine

610-583-3800

Berks County Center of Excellence

Reading Hospital and Health System

484-628-8070 (option 2)

The Community Action Opioid Response Act (H.R. 5124)

Introduced by Reps. Smucker and Betty McCollum, the bipartisan Community Action Opioid Response Act authorizes $250 million in federal funding over five years to help communities respond to the needs of low-income families and those in crisis because of the opioid epidemic.

The bill establishes a competitive grant program to expand and support effective community efforts to identify and respond to the causes and consequences of opioid misuse and addiction experienced by low-income individuals, families, and communities. Uniquely positioned to address these needs, Community Action Agencies would compete for three-year grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million per year.

Funding the Fight Against the Opioid Epidemic

Rep. Smucker urged President Trump's administration to reject spending cuts to the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in order to continue the fight against the opioid epidemic. In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney, Rep. Smucker said:

"Now more than ever our nation must prioritize federal funding to combat rampant drug abuse. As you are aware, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, in 2015, opioids were involved in the death of 33,091 Americans - more than double the rate in 2000. The opioid epidemic is tragically engulfing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has claimed the lives of more than 3,383 of our constituents in 2015. We must increase the federal government's response in the wake of this public health crisis."

More on Combating the Opioid Epidemic

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) is awarding nearly $5 million in grant funding to Pennsylvania to provide reemployment services for individuals impacted by the health and economic consequences of the opioid epidemic.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) and Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05) today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta regarding the opioid epidemic that has swept across Pennsylvania and the nation.

Washington, D.C. – As part of his ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania and across the country, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) wants to make his constituents aware of an important upcoming opportunity for them to help in this fight.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) and Betty McCollum (MN-04) introduced bipartisan legislation to authorize $250 million in federal funding over five years to help communities respond to the needs of low-income families and those in crisis because of the opioid epidemic.

Washington, D.C. – The House Education and the Workforce Committee, during a markup of the PROSPER Act, unanimously agreed to U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker’s (PA-16) amendment that would help higher education institutions combat the opioid epidemic on their campuses.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) is urging President Trump’s administration to reject spending cuts to the Office of the National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in order to continue the fight against the heroin and opioid epidemic that has swept across Pennsylvania and the nation.

In a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Mick Mulvaney, Rep. Smucker said: